Hyatt checks in with The Big Welcome

SINGAPORE – Hyatt has launched The Big Welcome – a global initiative to mark the introduction of an enhanced Hyatt Gold Passport guest loyalty programme.

Hyatt will also promote a 10,000 free nights sweepstakes and a 365-night giveaway in three regions worldwide for a total of 31,095 free Hyatt nights.

“At a time when others may be tempted to cut back, we consider this a long-term investment in our business,” said Mark S. Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Global Hyatt Corporation.

Hyatt Gold Passport members can now take part in a wider range of privileges, ranging from free night awards with no blackout dates to complimentary Internet access, suite upgrades and exclusive check-in areas for elite members.

The Big Welcome’ Contest asks the question: How would you spend 365 free nights at Hyatt to create an unforgettable experience?

Three people (one person per region – North America, Europe and Asia) will win 365 free nights at any Hyatt hotel around the world.

Contestants will be asked to submit a 250-word essay describing how they would create an unforgettable Hyatt experience.

Essays will be awarded a maximum of 40 points for originality; 40 points for creativity; 10 points for incorporation of Hyatt brand attributes and 10 points for organisation/clarity and grammar.

To help tell their story, entrants have the option to submit video, audio, photo, or an original drawing to earn up to five bonus contest points.

The 365 free nights can be used at any Hyatt hotel worldwide (valid through June 30, 2014).

To help winners make the most of this once-in-a lifetime experience, Hyatt will also provide the winner with 1 million frequent flyer airline miles to be applied to a Hyatt Gold Passport travel partner.

To enter the contest, participants can visit TheBigWelcome.com, enter their Hyatt Gold Passport Number or enroll in the free Hyatt Gold Passport programme.

Entries must be submitted no later than May 13, 2009.

All entries will be judged by Hyatt agency personnel in a preliminary round and up to 20 entries will advance to the semi-final round, where visitors to TheBigWelcome.com will then have the chance to select the Top Five entries through online voting.

The final Grand Prize winners will be announced on or around June 12, 2009

Thirty thousand people (10,000 people per region – North America, Europe and Asia) will also have a chance to experience Hyatt hospitality first hand.

One Hyatt Gold Passport Free Night award (valid through June 30, 2010 at any Hyatt Hotel worldwide of the winner’s choice) will be awarded to 30,000 people selected at random from all eligible entries received during the promotional time period (April 2, 2009 to May 13, 2009).

Sweepstakes daily prize winners will receive notification by email approximately one day after being selected and the prize will be credited to their Hyatt Gold Passport Account within four to five business days after the confirmation email is received.

Contestants must enter the Contest and the Sweepstakes separately in order to participate in both competitions. Entry into one promotion does not automatically enroll a consumer into the second promotion.

To learn more about ‘The Big Welcome’ and to enter the contest and/or sweepstakes, visit TheBigWelcome.com.